Rain, Rain Go Away!

How I beat the rainy day blues

Vancouver is no stranger to rainy days! This winter in particular has been a wet one. Just when you think there’s a glimmer of hope, and you see that beautiful little yellow sunshine on your weather app, Mother Nature throws a fit, and we’re back to grey, wet, dreary days. I do my best not to let these days get me down. Although I do confess, during the longer stretches even I, the incessant optimist, struggle to stay chipper! Here’s how I cope with rainy days in the city.

I take my work to a coffee shop. All of my administrative work gets done from home. This is a blessing and a curse. On the one hand I can listen to whatever music I like, have (healthy) snack at my table, and take breaks as I please. On the other hand, I’m all alone until I have my next client appointment. Although I love running my own business, I do miss the social aspect of working on a team. Getting dressed and heading to a coffee shop to get my work done is a nice break from the monotony of being home alone with my thoughts and the rain clouds.

I run most of my errands without a car. Yes it’s raining. And yes, it sucks! But if you’re a true Vancouverite, then you’re prepared for this kind of weather! Your shoe collections includes rain boots and you’ve got a sturdy umbrella on hand. As sweet as you are, you’re not made of sugar, and you will not melt in the rain. Getting outside for a breath of fresh (moist) air cheers me up and makes me feel alive again.

I get active. If the rain isn’t too strong, and it’s more of a Vancouver drizzle, then I’ll throw on a jacket and go out for a run. I’m going to get sweaty anyways, so what’s a little rain, right? If the wind’s blowing and the raindrops are the size of my fist, then I’ll head to the gym for an endorphin-releasing circuit workout. If I’m feeling like doing something a little slower pace, I’ll hop over to a yoga studio and Vinyasa my way through the blues! The point is, I do something that moves my body.

I remind myself that all of this rain serves a greater purpose. I have travelled to my fair share of cities, and Vancouver is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful ones I’ve ever seen. We have lush green spaces all around us. Trees need water! I remind myself that without all of this rain, we wouldn’t have such natural beauty all around. I know that in a few months time I will be climbing mountains, and cycling along the water, and walking through the forest again. I accept Vancouver to be a rainy city. We have no control over the weather, but we do have control over how we approach rainy days.